hellllllooooooooooooooooooooo

How are you all doing? Hope you and your loved ones are doing great!!😃😃😃😃

So yes –I am here with the next update on Invisible Strings!! Back to Back – as promised.👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻👩‍💻

Eager for you all to read it. Will let you all dive in straight away.

Word Count – Medium – 6k Words

Also yes – Some Mature Content in there in the middle🔥

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Text Copyright©mysticaltales11111™2022

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29. Hold Me Now

Two Hours Later

Maan's Residence

Rajesh Maan walked into his study on the first floor of the house and his feet took him straight to the window side of the room – which would give him the exact view of the outside. As he took a stand, leaning against the wall, his eyes caught in off the glimpse, he knew they would anyway, given that he'd just excused himself from the very scene upfront - five minutes ago – on account of an important business call.

It was lie.

There was no call.

It was just the bit – that his own back-to-back inner blasts of guilt were making him feel super suffocated. Just being around Arnav – continuously – seeing the boy smile at Khushi the way he did+ observing on the intense vibe in between Khushi+ Him – just continued to cause a massive guilt havoc within him. The havoc he couldn't seem to get a control on.

It had started the minute they'd gotten into the car – to drive back home. The drive back to their home from the airport was a significant 70 mins one given that their beachfront mansion was on the fag end of the main island. And given that, he had chosen to be the one driving them home – his eyes couldn't help but catch on the wholesome sight off Khushi just snuggling into Arnav's side in the backseat – while Ellie+ Khushi chatted with Arnav constantly. Thankfully, he(Rajesh) had to keep his attention on the road on the drive – so he was saved from drowning in his guilt just then.

He had obviously noticed that the boy was doing his best to keep all his attention focussed on Khushi+Ellie happily in the moment – as he chatted with them. Ofcourse, so that it would seem normal to his wife+daughter – he'd made sincere efforts to be a part of the conversations related to everything Fiji and given that the boy was only polite and courteous towards him in talks with a smile curved up in his lips towards him as well, around Khushi – just continued to feast up more on his guilt.

It had hit him hard just then. That hell, he hadn't even apologized to the boy – properly. He surely needed to? He surely felt like they minute they would be home, he needed to get some moments alone with the boy so that he could express his sincere apology to him face to face – finally. It would help ease this inner battle of his guilt – he'd presumed?

But, he hadn't been able to get any moment to get the boy around just with him – because – well – ever since they reached home – Khushi+ Ellie insisted that they all catch up on a quick tea+ snacks first which Ellie had asked the home staff to keep ready to be served on their arrival and post that of course – both Khushi+ Ellie wanted to show Arnav around. He had been with them – throughout – until they'd headed outdoors and he used the moment to head in to his study alone – so that he could take care of all this suffocation he was feeling on account of his guilt.

( attaching the video of Maan's Residence again)

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Rajesh Maan's eyes took in the sight upfront and beyond on reflex again though. Ellie and Khushi – were now showing Arnav around the scenic outdoors around their beach facing – Mansion. Khushi was happily saying something to Arnav whilst pointing and showing him around candidly, with Ellie joining in the conversation, with her bits, and smiling at the boy too. He narrowed his eyes – and spotted Arnav look down at Khushi lovingly, as he nodded at her happily and then grinned at Ellie – sincerely – in the moment and the three fell into a candid conversation again.

Well, he could just see that Ellie was being her usual sincere doting motherly self and that also along with Khushi's presence - probably was acting like a saving grace for the boy around? In the situation – he presumed? Or else, he was sure the boy wouldn't even smile at him.Not that he didn't deserve it....

He really needed to find a way to get a sincere apology off his chest to the boy – first? That would be a decent starting point...of his redemption?

Thankfully, right then his phone buzzes with a work call and he takes it – just in time – turning around from watching the scene through the glass window – that had once again begun to claw its way deep into his guilt.

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About Fifteen Minutes Later

Ellie paced her way excited towards her husband's study, grinning to herself. Why? Because, she couldn't help but share her observation on Arnav – with him – as soon as possible.

She'd finally left the two alone outdoors – letting Khushi take on the tour around the back zone of their mansion's outdoor space herself, knowing that the two would surely be wanting some time to their selves by now. Ever since, they'd gotten home either her or Raj or both of them had been around the two!

She enters in the study without knocking on the door and finds her husband – hanging on the work call just then as well. She walks up to him grinning now as she says – " thank god...I arrived just in time then...Raj..for no way...I'd have let you continue with your work call once I was here.."

She sees him shoot him a genuine curious smile as he asks – " and why is that??"

Ellie walks over to his desk and closes his laptop shut as she answers – " well, that's because, I cannot wait to share my observations on this version of forward in time...Arnav with you...Raj...he's such a lovely boy...just like he always has been...just...something about him is so genuine and sincere still and that – surely just hits base within immediately? Don't you think so?"

Rajesh nods at that and smiles – " I think so too..Ellie..."

Ellie goes on fondly – " Glad we on the same page at that...Raj...its like as if even though he's come a long way now, and he's this super famous rockstar today - that little boy we met at the orphanage...or at their school...when we first spotted Khushi all those years ago...is still in him – in those similar shades....Raj....don't you think so??"

Rajesh couldn't help but not agree to that as well, as his insides drowned in turmoil – " well, yes...I did observe on that too...Ellie.."

Ellie states excited – " And ofcoruse, the cherry on the cake still has to be the way he just looks at Khushi...Raj...even today...I mean...did you see/catch onto that intense vibe going on in between the two when they in one frame? Like now I get what Manizeh meant when she said...in that context...,"And she hears Rajesh agree to that as well as he mustered consumed in a deep thought – " well, I think we both know...what Manizeh meant by that...now...Ellie...for yes..i'd be a fool to not observe that if Khushi is right next to him/in the room – she's the core for him/she's all he sees...."

Ellie observes on Rajesh's frame at that. Why wasn't he smiling as he said this? Wasn't this a thing to be happy about? She asks him now upfront turning him around by holding onto his shoulders to make him look at her – " why aren't you smiling as you say this? Raj? Like isn't this a thing to be ecstatic about? To see our daughter so happy in love again...finally???? And to sense the vibe off...Arnav reciprocating it..as much...??"

Rajesh covers up at that – " well, I am happy about it obviousl El...just had work on my mind..."

Ellie groans – " stop..working...will you please??? Raj?? Khushi and Arnav have just come home..and you know I kept tonight free just for us...to bond...I mean..four of us...for you know...tomorrow Amaar+Samarth have already invited us all over to their place for dinner...then day after dinner at Manizeh's for Arnav and then post that I'v planned this huge family get together at home...so that everyone of our close ones here can just meet Arnav...as well...so basically...we got this evening...and dinner plus later tonight...to spend some quality time with them – k? for anyway tomorrow on during the day – Khushi+Manzieh+Amaar and Samarth are going to get busy in taking Arnav around exploring fiji according to their plan..."

Rajesh nods at that – " yeah...now...that you put it that way Ellie..I think fair enough...I just stop working...,"And he pauses wanting nothing more than to hug her in the moment and soak some comfort from her embrace for it seemed it was only that – that could bring him some comfort in the moment and he looks up at her and holds her hand and asks – " El...."

Ellie looks at him – " what's wrong?? Raj??,"And she pauses for before she knew it – she was pulled into a sudden hug by Rajesh and she asks hugging him back - " hey...what's up??,"and she hears him say – " nothing...just hold me...please?for a bit??"

And even though – Ellie is confused the hell outta her mind as to what the origin of this was – she obviously just hugged her husband back in an intense silence – in the moment.

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Simultaneously – Khushi's Room

Finally.

It was here. The moment, when he was going to be alone with Khushi in the next minute. Heavens knew, he wanted nothing more than just some time with her just now to refuel up his courage+strength stocks to go on the rest of the evening as normally around Rajesh Maan.

The drive back, the quicktea+snacks session+ him being around whilst Khushi had shown him around, had taken quite the toll on him internally. And yet, he'd gone on acting as if all was more than normal, going all the extra mile and all for the love of his woman.

He tugs on Khushi's hand at that gesturing to her that his guest room was nearer and he obviously saw her narrow her eyes at him mischeviously as she whispered as they walked to her room – " I know...we just crossed the guest room...that you'd be staying in...but obviously...we are headed to my room...right now...Arnav...finally....I mean....i obviously want some alone time with you right now..in my room...baby...."

Arnav asks now impatient to finally be alone with her – "okay...but why are we whispering??"

Khushi rolls her eyes mischeviously – " because...daddy's in his study across the hall...baby...that's why...I mean..he's working...obviously...I don't want him to spot us sneaking into my room..together..."

Arnav halts in his spot at that as he whispers – " uh-oh. Yes...your daddy's study is right across the hall..."

Khushi narrows her eyes at him – as she looks back two steps away from her door – " why did you stop...in your steps??"

Arnav shakes his head at that casually – " just...,"and continues in a whisper pacing further ahead to get into her room which he had already seen before on the house tour – " come...on...lets rush in then...what are we waiting for baby?for your daddy to come on in and spot us for real??"

Khushi chuckles at that happily and follows Arnav in hurriedly – too excited to be finally alone with just him in her private zone at home – in FIJI. She didn't even know, how to express to him, what these moments were meaning to her. To have him – here at home - finally – just felt so surreal and exhilirating. Perhaps, she didn't have to say anything? For Arnav could surely read it in her eyes – couldn't he?

Another bit she was exhilarated about though? It was that she was finally going to be alone with him....she expected him to kiss her wildly and urgently the very second the door closed in behind them...

And Bamm!

She was right.

For this very instant as Arnav finally closed the door to her room behind them in a rush and locked it – she felt herself be pinned against the door immediately with him caging her hands to her side – as his lips took hers in a wild, urgent, fierce and stormy kiss. She moaned into his lips, opening hers just enough to let him storm his way in – turning their kiss into a wild french kiss – his hands clutching onto her wrists to her side – as she began kissing him back as hard.

About five heated minutes later she whispered into his lips – " I knew...it...so knew it..."and she hears him ask into her lips at that – " knew what??"

She moans – " knew it that you'd kiss me this way..the very second..we'd be alone..,"and she hears him whisper hoarsely consuming her lower lip deeply with his upper one – " Am glad...my eyes were vocal about what my lips...weren't saying...Khushi.."

And she asks into his lips at that moaning consuming his upper lip with hers- "and were my eyes vocal about how monumental this moment is for me?? baby?To finally have you home?to see you continuing to bond this way with Mom and Dad??"

And she hears him answer into her lips at that probing his way into her lips again – " indeed...I can sense it all...baby...I can sense it all....and it is quite easy to be around your Mum...Khushi...she's really nice....she has so much warmth....in her....its touched me...,"And Khushi pauses on kissing him at that for a second as she opens her eyes to catch on her breathe and asks before he could kiss her again – " well, yes, I know that...Mum's magic...and what do you think of Dad haan? I mean...I saw you talking to him quite easily too...in all our general conversations....now is your nervousness eased a little on his accord...like now...you surely know right? how amazing and kool they both are? Right??,"And she sees him freeze a little in his frame at that as his eyes flash open in front of her and she thought she spotted so much restlessness in them – before he masked it suddenly and whispered casually shrugging – " yeah...your dad's kool...too...Khushi...indeed...I was worrying for no reason...it seems...,"and he begins to lean up close to kiss her mindlessly again.

But Khushi moves her face aside catching him by surprise as she whispers – " let go of my hands...right now...please? you'v caged them in yours...I can't touch you...,"And she does feel him loosen his hold on her wrists as he lets go – looking at her all wide-eyed in worry as he asks – " why didn't you let me kiss you??are you crazy Khushi? you surely know...I want nothing more than to be lost in you...in the moment...like...haven't been able to touch you...kiss...you..make love to you...in all these excruciating long hours of travel dammit.....i want you now...I want to be in you...now...don't you freaking want it too???"

Khushi nods at him at that and cups his face trying to read through this now casual mask in his eyes – " I know...I want it too...surely...my kisses told you that..."

Arnav nods impatiently leaning into kiss her again already. If only, he could get her to stop talking right now – " great...then what we waiting for...??,"and to his surprise he feels her keep a finger on his lips at that as she whispers – "We waiting for you...to tell me...as to why is it that I spotted restlessness in your eyes...when I asked you what you thought of daddy...you covered it..up...Arnav...with a casual indifference...after...but I saw through you prior...already...whats wrong with you on Daddy's accord? I mean..one second..you seem so normal around him and when I bring him up in private...once again I spot this weird vibe consume you...why???? Why is this weird vibe around?that I can sense????"

Damm Him. Arnav cursed himself momentarily in the moment. Indeed, his acting skills werent good enough just in front of her. He needed to amp it up for sure. He covers up now – cupping her face at that urgently sure that she could see the restlessness in his eyes at that, his aim to portray it across as something else – " well, honestly, you spotted restlessness...because...yes...damm you woman..I am freaking restless to make deep wild love to you right now..ofcourse...I am not up for talking about your dad in the moment...when...all I can think off in my head...is losing myself to you...,"and his right hand finds its caress path way back to her backcurve – feeling it all snug in his hand pulling her closer to his frame – instantly.

Khushi narrows her eyes at him at that – "are you su...re...??thats what it is..,"she manages to ask upon the instruction of her mind whilst it was still working. It surely was going to begin malfunction with desire in a couple of seconds – as his one hand caressed her backcurve deep and sensuous in the way she loved.She sees him nod at that his electric gaze boring into hers as he whispers deepening his caress – " indeed...that's exactly what it is..."

She whispers managing to keep her eyes open still under the wave of raw desire for him – " don't touch me..this way..right now...baby...its malfunctioning my ability to think..straight...why do I feel......,"and she pulls away from his hold, his touch and walks two -three steps ahead into her room as she whispers brushing her hand through her hair – " there's more...Arna...v...I...i...oh...damm...you...,"and the words stay put in her mouth as she feels herself be pulled back into his frontal frame all flush as he hugs her from behind whispering into her ears sensuously – " do you really?Think?there could be any other reason for my restlessness but my raw wild desire for you in the moment...baby?you can feel it...can't you? you surely...can...I am craving you bad right now...Khushi...and I know...so are you....i am sure..you agree...its been bloody long since we made love to one another...and we both just need...it bad...its become a vital part of our love language...ever since we first made love...isn't it? for its freaking as intense as our feelings for one another – every single time....,"and he paused biting on her ear sensuously.

Well, she could feel it obviously. She could feel it how much he wanted her and just like that as he began to caress her curves as his other hand held her snug around by the waist holding her close to him intimately from behind she couldn't help but give in to the moment whispering her hands going to wrap themselves around his neck as she raised it upfront staying snug in her spot surrendering her head to his shoulder as he began grinding into her slowly – "I cannot help...but...agree to all of that in the moment...,"and before she knew it – she was turned around to face him at the speed of light and he kissed her – all hard and wild again in the moment – before finally picking her up in his arms – and carrying her to her bed.

He placed her on it – urgently, desperately and once again he couldn't wait to get the rest of her bare – and so just shrugging off both their lowers off urgently – Arnav and Khushi gave into their wild craving for one another in the moment – as Arnav burried himself deep into her – without further ado and she just wrapped her legs around him to welcome him into her as deep – as they began kissing each other wildly – their love making rhythm as usual matching the same urgent intensity too.

Several passionate intense heated minutes later – once they finally moaned each others name into the other lips as wild shudders of passionate release settled – Khushi heard Arnav whisper as he burried his head into the crook of her neck – breaking away from her lips – holding her possessively in her arms – " just...hold me...now...Khushi...please....just hold me...now...superclose....I want nothing more...than to be held by you in this moment as closest as possible....please???"

And Khushi obviously held him into her – engulfing all of him in her embrace as she kissed his ear whispering – " ofcourse...I want nothing more to be held by you in the moment ..as close...as well...baby...as always.....,"and she just wraps her hands around his neck hard at that again – but something in her gut made her feel like – yet again – that this bit of Arnav asking her to hold him this way wasn't just about their usual way of staying connected to one another once they'd finished making raw and wild love? It surely felt like – it was about something else too ???

And just incase if her gut was right on this accord – than what was this about anyway?She couldn't help but wonder as she continued to hold him close and possesive – into her nonetheless.

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Hours Later – Post Dinner

Khushi smiled in relief as she admitted the thought out to her Mum – as she walked into the kitchen with her – " godammit...Mum...I can't even tell you...how I relieved I am about this..."

Ellie looks back at her – amidst asking the staff to settle in everything around now that they were dine with dinner but only after they finished up eating first – politely – " relived about what??"

Khushi plonks herself over the kitchen counter as she grins – " Daddy and Arnav...I mean...in the evening for a second...I was going paranoid thinking..he's still getting all nervous and restless around Daddy and my mind couldn't help but keep wondering why...but then...thank god....it was just my paranoia...I guess? For Arnav's bene his casual relaxed self not just around you..Mum..but around daddy too...ever since after..."

Ellie grins at that and brushed her hair lovingly – " oh...you have nothing to worry about...love...I noticed him too...around your daddy right? I didn't spot anything unusual..he was just his normal self around him in the afternoon as well...like he was all evening...before dinner and during dinner too...I mean..did you see..the way your daddy was all interested to know about his progress and journey...??and he sharing it with us both – so sincerely...and then did you see the way the two got involved in business talks after?With your daddy giving him an insight into all that he's built here over time????"

Khushi nods grinning – " I know ...Mum...dinner like totally confimed it to me that I had nothing to worry about...at all...."

Ellie nods – " perhaps..he was just restless about something else then?and you presumed wrongly?"

Khushi bites her cheeky smile at that as she admits – " yeah...I guess...I know now...for sure that Arnav was just restless about something else...then.."

Ellie winks – " you mean..some alone time with just you??"

Khushi rolls her eyes at her Mum – " Mommmmm...stop..."

Ellie grins – " you are blushing...honey..cmon no need to be so shy around...me...I am your Mum...as if I don't know...that he wont be staying in that room I had ready for him at all....he's going to be camping in...in yours..."

Khushi chuckles – " nothing escapes your eye...Mum..right??"

Ellie grins – " nothing...indeed...,"And she cups Khushi's face at that – " I am so happy to see you this happy...Khushi...to see you both so happy together..."

Khushi holds her hand – " I know..Mum...I can see it in your eyes..."

Ellie says now – " your daddy and me spoke about Arnav in his study briefly earlier this evening..wana know about it??"

Khushi nods excited and Ellie begins to fill her in and about five minutes later once she's done, Ellie feels Khushi hug her hard excited as she exclaims in glee – " thank you Mum...thank you for telling me this..."

Ellie hugs Khushi all emotional for a bit before she pulls back and asks – " so..should I get Arnav's fav desert ready for him...or you will??before we join your daddy and him around your daddy's beloved table of snooker??"

Khushi exclaims gleefully – " ofcourse...I'll get the dessert ready for him...Mum..also..can't believe...daddy's already challenging Arnav to snooker...I mean...isn't he like winning against us all the time anyway? now he wants to win vs Arnav too..."

Ellie grins – " well, it was sporting of Arnav to agree to it in a jiffy...though.."

Khushi rolls her eyes playfully – " well, he agreed, because he can play it well enough too...Mum...its become Aman+ his fav's to play..over time..."

Ellie's eyes widen at that – " did someone tell your dad that??"

Khushi shakes her head – " I didn't...,"and the two exchange a happy high-five plus knowing look as they gleefully bet on Arnav beating Rajesh in a round of snooker – this time around.

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Meanwhile Simultaneously

At the Snooker Zone in the House

Rajesh Maan watched Arnav hit his aim effortlessly surprising him with the hit as the ball he'd targeted lands up in the corner hole on the table nd he asked – " you play..snooker...boy??"

The boy had been eerily silent – ever since they'd stepped in here couple of minutes ago as Rajesh had expected. He knew, he wouldn't say a word to him when they were alone. All that chatter and talks were just to keep the pretend mode on in front of Khushi. He'd been thinking on how to begin with his apology and now that he'd seen Arnav hit a brilliant shot – he thought – that was the best way to start conversation?Perhaps?

Arnav looks up at the man finally – now suddenly just too tired to keep up the façade as they were finally alone and he spoke indifferently walking around the snooker table as the man took his shot now – " you surely haven't asked me here for just a game of snooker....right??and surely, I don't need to answer the latter...surely my shot speaks for itself..that this is one of my games too..."

Rajesh Maan nods just in time before he takes his shot – watching the ball he'd targeted just hit a few other balls around the table scattering it all around but missing its target – "well you don't need to answer the latter...,"and he pauses in his spot and just holds his snooker stick to his side and looks sincerely up at Arnav – " and ofcourse...I haven't called you in here...just for a game of snooker...boy.."

Arnav doesn't pause on playing though and just gets on with aiming for his next shot. For distracting himself with the game in the moment was the only way he could stay in the same room as the man as they were finally alone instead of stomping out of it in the opposite direction. He asks coldly and casually – " what do you want from me? now? I am playing pretend...down to the perfect...T...aren't I? just like you are...once again...know this...I aint doing it for you...but for Khushi...."

Rajesh sighs at that knowing theres only one way to go about it and he says instantly – " I called you in...to apologize...sincerely Arnav....I am sorry...boy...I am so sorry...for the past..once again....i know..its not going to be easy for you..but this old man can only hope that you can forgive him some day..."

That surprises Arnav momentarily and he finally looks up at the man holding his snooker stick to his side and observes him in an intense silence before the words leave his mouth on its own reflex – " you are right...it's not going to be easy for me at all..which is why...I can only most confidently say yet again...that...apology not accepted...Mr.Maan...,"and he was sure the anger plus bitterness was evident as he spoke – " and now especially...I can see the depth of ache..Khushi and me are coping through together as we dealing thebaggage of our past on accords of years apart....I most surely...can reject your apology with even a greater conviction..."

Rajesh Maan sighs as he shrugs his shoulders – " fair enough....i knew you'd say that..but I had to start with a sincere apology from my end..boy.."

That makes Arnav scoff at him in disbelief as he states – " fool someone...who hasn't seen your true face..Mr Maan..this apology may look sincere on the surface..but deep down..we both know..once again..its driven by your own selfish interest...you are drowning in guilt since the very second you saw me...saw us in one frame...saw how happy we make one another...which is why...you thought...apologizing to me...might help lessen the guilt??isnt that the truth?"

Rajesh Maan can only gape at Arnav at that as he says – " well, indeed I am guilty boy..indeed that is part truth...but I am also sincere about my apology...look...I know...you wana believe the worse in me still...but...I really want to mend this....for good...boy..."

Arnav shrugs his shoulders indifferently – " I am afraid..somethings...are just beyond...repair...Mr.Maan..."

Rajesh sighs at that- yet again. The look of loathe and disgust for him back in the boys eyes and instead he says now – " I understand....anyways...I'd like to thank you once again...for keeping the act up in front of Khushi...though...I know...you doing it just for her....not for me...."

Arnav nods not wanting to state the obvious again and shrugs casually and begins to take his shot on the table again – right when he hears Rajesh Maan ask – " you really love her...don't you??"

Arnav looks at him straight – " always did...always will...,"and he finally hits hit shot with that – as the ball meets its target perfectly and he hears the man sigh and admit now – " it isn't easy for me...boy.."

Arnav looks up at him and asks now – " huh??"

Rajesh sighs – " isn't easy for me to deal with my guilt..."

Arnav scoffs – " and you think its easy for me to play pretend around you?when all a part of me wants to do is stomp in the opposite direction from where you standing????"

Rajesh is just about to say something at that – but right then the two hear muffled chuckles and nearing steps to the snooker zone and Rajesh gestures – " shhh....they are here..lets just get back to our game??? and be talking...? Your Australia tour?your collegues tell me something off it...."

Arnav rolls his eyes and admits – " As if you need to remind me...what to do...,"but keeping a stone on his heart yet again – he falls into the exact pretend mode – eventually with Rajesh Maan asking him about a bit on his tour of Australia and his collogues – knowing – Ellie aunt+ Khushi would walk in on them anysecond.

It is right then the two look up around as the sliding door to the zone opens up and Khushi walks in with a tray of desert in her hand,and Ellie next to her as she states to Ellie excited – " see...Mom...these two were busy in chatter...only...like we assumed...now lets see...if we right about another thing we presumed...,"And she places the tray on the center table in the room around – looking up straight to exchange a warm smile with Arnav as she asks – " desert now? or later?Arnav??"

Arnav smiles at her sincerely – her sight in the moment being his saving grace yet again as he answers - " later Khushi...I mean...after I am done beating your Daddy in this set of snooker..."

That makes Khushi squeal in delight as she exchanges a high five with Ellie – as Rajesh maan smiles at the sight too – " finally...this is happeneing...someone beating daddy at snooker....mom and me..bet on this...Arnav...so you better win...,"And at that she comes to stand next to Arnav happily caressing on his arm and he just instantly pauses – to just sidehug her intensely to himself as he kissed her head.

Rajesh Maan exclaimed to Ellie at that – " you bet on Arnav beating me?as well? El??"

Ellie nods grinning walking to stand next to her husband – " indeed....,"and she exchanged a knowing grin with Arnav across – " son...I am just standing next to him...but I am rooting for you...just like Khushi is..."

Arnav couldn't help but smile on reflex at that and he raised his eyebrow at Rajesh as he asked in teasing pretend mode surely he'd get the underlying crux of it – " no one on your side right now...uncle...how does that feel???they both rooting for me???"

And that to his surprise – they all hear Rajesh admit with a sincere smile – " well, I don't mind them both rooting for you...boy...its going to be a fair game...if you better...you'll just win....I can only try to give it my very best,"and he pauses hoping the boy got the hint that this was his way of telling him – that he'd keep trying to apologize nonetheless...

Arnav nods at that – " alright...game on...then..uncle..."

Rajesh nods and he takes his position to take the hit and hears Arnav say to Ellie on reflex now – " thank you for all your warmth aunty..."

Ellie smiles – " you don't need to thank me son..."

Arnav exchanges a smile with her at that and watches the man take his next gaming shot.

Khushi places her head on Arnav's shoulder at that lovingly and in the moment after - she tip toes on her toes to whisper in his ears to ask – " you like it when Mom calls you...son..right??baby??"

Arnav nods at that on reflex – pausing to just look sideways at her as their eyes lock intensely at that. He knew he didn't need to say it to Khushi. He hears her whisper lovingly – " and I just love it when she calls you...son....,"and she happily cuddles onto his side again at that clutching onto his arm happily – basking in the moment – completely oblivious to the storm raging inside of the man she loved – still.

What could Arnav do then? He just soaked in all the strength from the moment – holding onto Khushi snug to his side for a second – before he got on with playing the rest of his snooker game with Rajesh Maan – with every intention to just win the set hands down – giving the game his bestest shot ever.

Why?

Because, his god's knew – that Arnav Singh Raizada would/could never let Rajesh Maan defeat him at anything ever again – even if it were just a freaking game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

................................................................

Tadddddaaaaa!

How was that guys?????????? Hope you all enjoyed reading the various scenes...

Next Update on this – There will be another back to back update that will come in tomorrow night!

See you soon guys! Take Care!

Thank you, tons*tons*tons,

Have a great Friday!

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Now&Always
❤️🙏❤️
Prachi